Nigeria claim first WAFCON 2026 win with victory over Zambia

Nigeria claim first WAFCON 2026 win with victory over Zambia

Oshoala opened the scoring in the eighth minute to hand Nigeria an early lead.

Reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria beat Zambia 1-0, despite playing with ten women, as Asisat Oshoala’s early strike secured the Super Falcons’ first victory of the tournament on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Falcons started the game brightly, with high possession, before Oshoala opened the scoring in the eighth minute to hand Nigeria an early lead.

Nigeria were reduced to ten women right before the break at the 40th minute after a poor challenge from OluwaTosin Demehin on Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda.

After the break, despite the setback, Nigeria remained disciplined at the back, holding off the Copper Queens as the tactical introductions of Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Halimatu Ayinde helped Nigeria preserve its lead.

The result secures Nigeria’s first win in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi.

The reigning champions regroup for their final group-stage match against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5.